This story forms the beginning of the narrative of David’s rise to power that is found in 1 Samuel 16—2 Samuel 5. In that narrative, three different stories are told about how David comes to public attention. At the end of chapter 16, he becomes a member of Saul’s court because he can play skillfully upon the lyre to soothe Saul’s fits of depression. In chapter 17, David is celebrated as the slayer of Goliath. And in 18:5-9, David is honored by the populace as a warrior who is always successful in their battles against the threatening Philistines. It is David’s anointing here in chapter 16:1-13, however, that gives the interpretive framework for all else that follows.

It is important to remember that at the time of this story, Saul is still king over Israel. Toward the end of the eleventh…